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Gloria
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Gloria Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
4.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 83 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for British singer-songwriter Sam Smith features guest appearances from Koffee, Kim Petras, Jessie Reyez, and Ed Sheeran.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Variety
    Feb 10, 2023
    94
    With songs that are both sacred and profane, with R&B and pop and disco and chorales, “Gloria” is all of that and more.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 26, 2023
    80
    An album that’s rich musically, thematically and above all, emotionally. Sam Smith has never sounded better because they’ve never been more themselves.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Jan 27, 2023
    70
    Sam’s latest finds them exploring self-acceptance and self-growth across their now-classic style of soul-tinged pop. ... While ’Unholy’’s catchy melodies may be elsewhere untouchable, it breaks down the boundaries of topics to explore throughout the rest of ‘Gloria’.
  4. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 27, 2023
    60
    Smith’s vocals are, of course, beautiful. Creamy and curvaceous; liquid with emotion. But I often feel their voice is searching for tangier tunes to wrap that molten wax around. Without any sharpness to offset it, listening to the repeated wobbly rise of Smith’s lovely, dollopy notes can feel like the aural equivalent of watching a lava lamp.
  5. AllMusic
    Feb 3, 2023
    60
    It's largely unobtrusive and serviceable, distinguished mostly by Smith's elastic voice and increased specificity and complexity to the reflective and romantic songs.
  6. Exclaim
    Jan 27, 2023
    60
    Overall, Gloria seesaws between being compelling and generic, with just enough highs to keep you interested throughout.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Jan 31, 2023
    50
    For as much as Smith tries to step out of the box, they still sound most comfortable playing to their previously established strengths.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 44
  3. Negative: 17 out of 44
  1. Maumartinelli
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    Sam se distancia do passado e das baladas românticas em um álbum mais pop que flerta com o “profano” em seus melhores momentos. Apesar deSam se distancia do passado e das baladas românticas em um álbum mais pop que flerta com o “profano” em seus melhores momentos. Apesar de falar sobre autoaceitação e glorificar sua persona, não deixa de falar sobre o seu velho coração. Apesar de não ser o melhor álbum da carreira, Sam se reinventa e foge do fantasma da mesmice entregando um bom álbum pop com pitadas de glórias passadas.… Expand
  2. AlexSwish
    Feb 19, 2023
    10
    The album mixes the best of Sam Smith in tracks that go from classics of the artist like "No God", "Love Me More", "How To Cry" and "Perfect",The album mixes the best of Sam Smith in tracks that go from classics of the artist like "No God", "Love Me More", "How To Cry" and "Perfect", to songs that appeared after "Promisses", like "I 'm Not Here To Make Friends" and the Pop Perfection "Lose You"… Expand
  4. isaacOchoa
    Jan 27, 2023
    10
    Sam supo pulir cada parte del álbum y eso hace que el álbum sea esencial e inusual
  5. wojtekk
    Feb 3, 2023
    5
    Gloria is a very personal and unique album. Many people expected it to sound like smash hit "Unholy" most of the songs are more similar to theGloria is a very personal and unique album. Many people expected it to sound like smash hit "Unholy" most of the songs are more similar to the first single "Love me more". Even the fact that the album contains 13 tracks it's very short, a bit too short. Some songs in production aren't very different from each other which might make them boring after some listens. Of course there are still some outstanding songs like "Im not here to make friends" or "No god" which keeps this album in "okay category". Loving "Gloria era" but the album could be better.… Expand
  6. jorsian
    Mar 2, 2023
    3
    Gloria plays into the worst self-love tropes imaginable, and echoes meek self-validating sentiments in an effort to cleanse itself of itsGloria plays into the worst self-love tropes imaginable, and echoes meek self-validating sentiments in an effort to cleanse itself of its mediocrity. There is something so trite about the lyricism on this record. The words feel shallow in meaning and lost on the listeners who have heard the same sentiments echoed by social justice warriors ad nauseam for years before this record ever graced their ears.… Expand
  7. ray32
    Jun 8, 2023
    1
    Safe to say this one of the worst Albums I have ever heard. This Album is just as musty as Sam Smith himself.
  8. PradaPoosay
    Feb 4, 2023
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Safe to say this one of the worst Albums I have ever heard. This Album is just as musty as Sam Smith himself… Expand

See all 44 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2023

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